Sand-molding apparatus



(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 1. S. J. ADAMS. SAND: MOLDING APPARATUS. No. 591,151. Patented Opt. 5,1897.

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(No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet .2.-

S. J. ADAMS.

SAND MOLDING APPARATUS. No. 591,151. PatentedOot. 5,1897.

V lINiTED STATES PATENT UFFICE.

STEPHEN JARVIS ADAMS, OF PITTSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA.

SAN D-MOLDING APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 591,151, dated October 5, 1897.

Application filed February 15, 1898. Serial No. 462,364. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, STEPHEN JARVIS ADAMS, a resident of Pittsburg, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Improvement in SandMolding Apparatus; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description thereof.

My invention relates to sand-molding apparatus, its object being to provide guiding means for guiding the different parts or mold sections together and the patterns into line with the mold-sections, so that the mold-cavities may be properly formed by the patterns and the mold-sections removed from the patterns and fitted together. I

The ordinary method of guiding together the mold parts and bringing the patterns into line with the same in forming two or more part molds has been by means of dowel-pins on one flask part arranged to match into the seats in the other flask part, such dowel-pins and seats being simply fittings which were secured to the flask parts by bolts, screws, or rivets. Difiicultyhas been experienced with these devices for different reasons, the principal reason being the wearing of the guidepins and seats and the loosening of such fittings upon the flasks, as each set of flasks was necessarily provided with such fittings and as the flasks were roughly handled, being piled up Within the foundry and very liable to topple over, while the pins extended out beyond the body of the flask and were liable to strike against the adjoining flasks, this leading to the loosening of the pins and often to the breaking off of the same, so that much time was required in keeping the same in workable condition. In addition to this, the wood of which these flasks are generally made is liable to shrink and swell, as the sand is necessarily somewhat moist, and for this reason the flasks often got out of shape. All these difficulties have led to the imperfect matching of the two or more parts of the mold, so that the mold-cavities are not brought into proper line with each other, and imperfections and irregularities in the shape of the castings are caused thereby, this difficulty often leading to the loss of a large proportion of the castings formed, as the work is necessarily done rapidly and the workmen even when careful the loosening of the fittings and like causes lead to the formation 'of irregular and imperfect castings. By my invention I am enabled to overcome these difficulties, as I provide guiding mechanism by which the parts are all brought into proper line, either in forming the molds or in. fitting them together, such proper line being established in each mold formed solely by such guiding mechanism, and the proper alinement of the parts is not affected by the wear thereof, as the parts are brought into proper line according as the guides fit against a like or common guiding means for all the parts.

In my invention I employ guide bars or rods, and I provide each part which is to be brought in line therewith with guiding-seats, which, when brought to the proper line, insure both the formation of the mold on the proper line for the alinement of the mold-cavities and the fitting together of the parts according to the common guide-bars, a perfect alinement of parts'being obtained even though both the guide-bars and theguiding'lugs on the several parts may wear, as the respective positions of the parts are fixed by the line estab: lished at the time of making the molds through such guiding-lugs and guide-bars. The particular points desired to be covered, together with the construction of the apparatus embodying the invention, will be hereinafter more particularly set forth and claimed.

To enable others skilled in the art to make and use my invention, I will describe the same more fully, referring to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 illustrates my invention as applied to the formation'of the one part of two-part molds. Fig. 2 illustrates the withdrawal either of the patterns or pattern-plate from the mold. Fig. 3 illustrates the formation of what might be termed the cope of the mold and the support of the same where necessary, such as in lifting the parts from the patterns without the aid of the-strippingplate. Fig. 4 is a View of a skeleton frame for supporting the cope, applicable to the mold-section shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 illustrates another form of guiding-table, showing the parts of the tinished mold built up thereon. Fig. 6 is an illustration of the invention where theguidebars are made longitudinally movable, this being found desirable in certain forms of molds. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the mold built up upon the guiding-table ready to be removed to the foundry-floor; and Figs. 8, 9, 10, and 11 are views of flasks or guiding parts, showing different forms of guiding-lugs illustrating the invention.

Like letters of reference indicate like parts in each of the several views.

I have illustrated my invention particularly in connection with any two-part mold, but the mold shown embodies certain features well illustrating the different uses of guiding mechanism. The molds are formed on any suitable molding-table Q. Where the pattern Z) is secured to the pattern-plate b, I form on the pattern-plate or table supporting the same the vertical guide-bars c, which extend up therefrom in such position as to receive the different guiding-lugs of the parts used in forming the mold.

Any suitable base carrying the guide-bars may be employed, it only being necessary that such guide-bars be in proper line during the formation of the mold to hold the parts in line or bring them to proper line for the molding operation, and where the gnide-bars extend up from the molding-table, as is generally desirable, then the pattern is brought into proper line therewith by means of the same guiding mechanism as is employed on the other parts, it having the same guiding-lugs. In Fig. 1, however, I have shown the pattern secured to the pattern-plate and the bars rising from the table.

Fit-ting around the pattern is what is termed the stripping-plate d,which stripping-plate may, in some cases, have formed thereon certain parts of the pattern,as shown at d, which parts generally extend up for a short distance into the cavity of the flask, so that the plate is in reality part of the pattern and included in the term pattern-plate. On this stripping-plate d I form theguiding-lugs d flwhich lugs are in such position as to guide the strippin g-plate to proper line with the patterns by fitting against the guide-bars 0, either slipping down the same, where the guide-lugs have a hole passing through the same to form the seat, or, as preferred by me, the guidingseats being open at one side or end, so that they may be slipped sidewise or horizontally against the guide-bar and so be brought into proper line therewith. The flask 6 has also the same form of guiding-lugs e, and for general purposes I prefer to form these guidinglugs open at the sides, as more clearly shown in Fig. 7 ,where this form of lug is illustrated in all the parts brought into line with the guide-bars.

It will be noticed that the seats are V- shaped, and this form of seat is preferred by me, as it guides the flask or other part properly to place on the guide-bars by simply pressing the flask against the guide-bars, so

that the molder has always this positive means of bringing the parts into. line instead of depending upon a circular hole,which will naturally Wear rapidly as it passes up and down the guide-bar, so that the workman is liable to get the parts slightly out of line. After the formation of the mold the bottom board 4* is placed upon the mold in the formation of the drag, which is generally the first part of the mold formed, and the bottom board shown in the drawings is of smaller diameter than the flask and is pressed into the same for the reason hereinafter set forth. For this purpose, as well as to guide the mold when withdrawn, I employ the pressing-plate g, which is also provided with guiding-lugs g to engage with the guide bars. This plate is pressed upon the bottom board, forcing it into the mold, and the plate is also preferably employed to form a guide at the upper part of the flask in withdrawing the same from the pattern. The guiding-lugs of this plate or frame are brought into line with the guide-bar c in the manner above described, and the molder then holds it against the flask and lifts the stripping-plate from the pattern, guiding it in its movement by the guide-bars 0, so thatv all parts are drawn up in proper line and all liability of injury to the mold formed in withdrawing it from the pattern is prevented. The drag 6, with the strippingplate and guide-frame, is then inverted and placed upon the building-up table, such as shown in Fig. 2,which building-up table has like guide-bars h, against which the guidinglugs d e g of the several parts are placed to bring the parts into proper line for withdrawing the stripping-plate, and the strippingplate is then lifted from the drag, being guided in its movement by the guide-bars h. It is to be understood that these guide-bars occupy exactly the same position with relation to the building-up table II as do the guidebars a with relation to the table carrying them, and that therefore the parts can be brought into exactly the same line and the stripping-plate lifted therefrom, being held in proper line by the guide-bars h. In like manner, if desired, the mold with the pattern therein may be turned over upon the build ing-up table and the pattern withdrawn, being guided in its movement by the guidebars h.

In forming the cope I either employ a separate molding-table with gnidebars in exactly the same line as those of the first moldingtable, or if, as often occurs and as is shown in Fig. 3, the two parts are formed on the same pattern the cope may be made upon the same table, the parts all being brought into line in the same manner through the guide-bars c and the cope formed, and after the formation of the cope, in case it is of such thickness or construction as would require the support of sand in lifting it from the pattern and stripping-plate (see Fig. 3) and placing it upon the building-up table, a suitable supportingframe, such as illustrated in Fig. 4, may be employed. Such a device is desirable in the formation of molds for brake-shoes, because the mold is rather large and there is a consid; able body of sand in the flask, and a thin body of sand is compacted in between the two patterns,which frequently drops out. For this purpose I first place upon the copethe guide-plate t', which can be of practically the same shape as the pressing or guide plate g. The guide-plate t has a series of openings through the same, and when it is brought to place I force down through such openings the pins 75 of the comb-frame 7a, which pins enter the sand of the mold and act to support the same when the cope is lifted from the drag.

In like manner, if desired, in order to support said thin core portion or body of sand between the two mold-cavities formed by the patterns I may provide the comb-frame with the diagonal guideways 70 in which are mounted the supporting-pins k which may be forced diagonally down into the sand and flask, with the guiding-plate 'i, entirely free from the pattern and stripping-plate, guiding it in its movement by the guide-bars c, and

carries the same to the building-up table, where he guides the cope portion to its place by pressing its guiding-pieces against the guide-bars and lowering it to place. As soon as the cope is thus brought to place he withdraws the pins 76 lifts ofi the comb-frame from the plate 2, and so completes the mold. If the flasks e and j are to remain upon the mold, it is only necessary to carry the same out upon the foundry-floor, when it is ready for casting. In such case the bottom board or plate generally extends out beyond the drag-flask e and may be provided with like guide-lugs, in which case the guiding-frame g will not be necessary.

I have illustrated the mold built up upon the building-up table in Fig. 5, such buildingup table being the same as Fig. 2, and differing only from it in the fact that it is adapted to strip the mold from the flask, the device differing only in the fact that instead of the solid table the central portion Zthereof is made vertically movable in the suitable guideways Z and is raised by the treadle Z and that in order to hold the flask during such operationlevers or catches Z are provided on the table, which engage with the guide-lugs 9" of the cope j and hold the flask while the mold is forced through the same, the mold tion that the molder can grasp the bottom lugs, which form their seats by side or horizontal motion against the guide-bars, and I prefer also to have the ends of the guideseats open. In Figs. 9 and lOI'have shown different forms of such guide-lugs, the guidinglugs having in the preferred form V-shaped seats n, which are either circular, square, or V-shaped at their bases, according to the shape of the guide-bars against which they fit. Such guidingseats enable me to force the several parts against the same guide-bars by a side movement, and so overcome the necessity of lifting the same to such distance as to pass the guide-bars vertically into the guide-lugs. I also find that all that is necessary is to make one of these guide-lugs. V- shaped or recessed, as the other may have simplyaplain straight face, the one guide-lug guiding the movement of the flask or other part in both directions, either sidewise or lengthwise, while-the latter, having a plain face, as shown at n will fit against the guidebar .and guide the other end of the flask or other part to the proper position. These guide-lugs may be formed on any suitable part of the flasks, stripping-plates, and other flask parts, one at each end and one at the side, and they may be so arranged that they are brought against the guide-bar by either a longitudinal or a side movement. In some cases, also while being made larger than the guide-bars,so as to utilize this method of guiding them to place, their ends may be closed, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. This is not, however, considered so desirable.

It is of course to be understood that my invention may be employed with the old form of guide-lugs, in which a hole passes directly through the same, but this is not considered nearly so desirable, as in lifting the pattern part for any great distance there would be fears of the slight canting of the same upon the guide-bars, which would add to the difliculty of employing the guiding means.

-In Fig. 6 I have illustrated the invention where the guide-bars, instead of being stationary, are vertically movable, being secured to a counterbalanced frame. The counterbalanced frame 19 moves in suitable guideways 19 and is counterbalanced by the weights 19 while bars q rise from the same and pass through the top of the table q. These bars may be employed with flasks or other parts having guide-lugs provided with closed circular openings, and are especially adapted to that form of device, though they may be employed with the open guide-lugs above de-' scribed. In the former case the bars are raised a suitable distance above the table, and after the, formation of the parts they are carried to the table and the lugs passed over the bars and the parts lowered to position, this being done With the several parts and the guide-bars being raised through the lugs to the different heights found necessary as the different parts are to be built up on the table. When the mold has been built up in this way and is ready to be lifted to the foundry-floor, the guide-bars are lowered out of the guides, so that the molder may lift and carry off a finished mold.

In the use of the invention I form a new and perfect guide for each particular part with each mold formed as each part is brought to place against the guide-bar, and it makes no difference how much either the guidingseats on the parts or the guide-bars Wear as the parts are brought into line and caused to fit together according to their relative position with the same guide-bars or bars in exactly the same position, and the formation of the mold upon the relative position of the flasks, pattern, stripping-plate, or flask with the guide-bars, and upon the position which they take in the formation of that part of the mold, and in withdrawing the mold from the pattern I also get a long bearing for the different parts composing the mold, such as the pattern-plate or stripping-plate at the bottom flask and the bottom board or guide-plate at the top, these all working against standard guide-bars, so that they provide a practically perfect guiding means as the mold Whichhas been formed is lifted off the pattern.

In the specification I have referred by name to the different parts carrying guiding-lugs and acting with the standard-guides in the molding operation. All these parts,are intended to be included in the term flask parts.

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In sand-molding apparatus, the combination of a table or support having vertical guide-bars extending up therefrom to a height greater than that of the guide-lugs on the highest flask part to be guided to place, and two or more flask parts, each having lugs thereon provided with guiding seats, or grooves, larger than the guide-bars, so providing for bringing the flask part into exact line by a horizontal movement against the guide-bars and vertical movement along said bars, substantially as set forth.

2. In sand-molding apparatus, the combination of a table having vertical guides extending up therefrom, and two or more flask parts having guiding-seats adapted to engage with such guides, one of saidguiding-seats being a straight face, and the other guidingseat being V-shaped so as to fit partially around the guide-bar of the table by a horizontal movement,substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

3. In sand-molding apparatus, the combi-.

nation of a flask to receive the sand to be compacted around the pattern, and a supportingframe having movable bars fitting in guideways in said frame and adapted to enter the sand of the flask in a diagonal direction, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

4. In sand-molding apparatus, the combination of a flask to receive the sand to be compacted around the pattern, a supportingframe having bars extending vertically down therefrom and adapted to enter the sand of the flask, and movable bars fitting in guideways in said frame and adapted to enter the sand of the flask in a diagonal direction, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

5. In sand-molding apparatus, the combination of a flask, a sustaining-plate of smaller diameter than the flask and adapted to enter the same, a vertically-movable stripping-table on which such plate rests for stripping the flask from the mold supported on the plate, and a removable flask-retaining device adapted to engage with the flask parts and hold them down when the mold is forced from the flask, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

In testimony whereof I, the said STEPHEN JARvIs ADAMS, have hereunto set my hand.

STEPHEN JARVIS ADAMS.

Witnesses:

JAMES I. KAY, J. N. CooKE. 

